Page 1 THE STANDARD IS EXCELLENCE
Home He ALL of tHet The F s RoveRsoveR Rootstown 2015 Communicator R L S • S R • R , O • () - News from around the District Rootstown Welcomes the University of Akron! By Terri Hrina-Treharn Working with Wendy Jewell (Director of Student teach- ing and Field Experience) and Barb Baltrinic (Student Teaching Liaison) from the University of Akron over the past year, we were able to build a partnership with their teacher candidate program. Now entering into our second year and expanding to the high school, we are housing 22 teacher candidates this semester! Along with this come four liaisons assigned to our district to oversee the program and work with the teacher candidates. This partnership was sought out as the University of Akron utilizes a co-teaching teacher candidate model. This means the teacher candidate co-teaches with their cooperat- ing teacher from Rootstown versus the traditional model of gradually taking over the classroom. Both groups receive professional development on co-teaching and the many models it offers. This in turn helps students as there are now two teachers available in the classroom and allows for more individual time, small group work, stations, etc. We are very excited to have them and look forward to what the future holds as the numbers just keep growing… Superintendent’s Message Welcome to the 2015-16 school year! The Rootstown Local School District Staff is excited to again be working with the students, parents, and community and are committed to providing our students with the best all-around education possible while being fiscally responsible. You will notice several upgrades to our buildings and grounds this year and these items were all purchased with permanent improvement funds. We have added over 150 computers this year, completed an electrical upgrade to the elementary school, paved the middle school parking lot, and replaced a boiler in the middle school along with Andrew Hawkins various other projects on campus. Superintendent We are also excited to begin our partnership with the Mahoning County Educational Service Center this year, which will be a tremendous asset to our teaching and learning. Furthermore, we will be continuing our partnership with the Univer- sity of Akron, who will be providing us with 22 teacher candidates this Fall. The teacher candidates will be working alongside our teachers and students in a co-teaching model. I am pleased to announce that our district has made the transition to the Google platform. Moving to the Google platform will enable staff and students to have access to all of the Google for Education products, which we believe will have a positive impact on our technology goals as well as enhance student learning. The Rootstown Board of Education has been working with Rootstown Board of Trustees on a possible JEDD to improve our aging school facilities. As a result, our Board of Education has hired GPD Group to perform a feasibility study to analyze if a JEDD is a possibility for our school district. The feasibility study should be completed within the next couple of months. Finally, we will be asking the community to renew a 5.98 Mill Emergency Levy on November 3rd this year. This is NOT a new tax and the monies that this levy generates will continue to be used for operating expenses. We look forward to an excellent 2015-16 school year! Thank you for your continued support of Rootstown Local Schools. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding our school district,
Go Rovers!
Andrew HAwkins superintendent Page 2 News From the Treasurer’s Office Everyone loves a win! This year we have started off with a win-win for both the taxpayers and the employees. Because of engagement by our employees in the Wellness program, the school district was able to see a 4% savings in our health insurance rates over what they would have been without these initiatives. This resulted in savings of nearly $65,000 for this year alone. Of course, the best benefit is healthier employees. This November the district is asking for a levy RENEWAL. This is an Emergency type levy, which means it can only raise a certain dollar amount, generating the same $1,045,000 as it did over the last five years. It is a renewal only, so there is NO TAX INCREASE. This represents a little over 8% of our budget and is the equivalent of educating approximately 120 of our students. This is an important levy, and we hope that you will continue to show your pride by supporting Rootstown Schools. Connie Baldwin Connie BAldwin Treasurer treAsurer Rootstown District News Mahoning County Educational Service Center (MCESC) By Terri Hrina-Treharn Although we are sad to see the Portage County Educational Service Center close, we are happy to now be working with the Mahoning County ESC. With this change come new faces to the district who will be working closely with staff. Three consultants have been assigned to our district to serve us this year. Corey Bubon will be our elementary consultant, Maurice Taylor will be the secondary consultant and work with special education, and Terri Sigler will be the district’s new gifted consultant. Staff have already had the opportunity to meet them at our opening convo- cation and hear a little more about themselves and the district goals they will be working towards. We look forward to this new partnership and welcome them aboard!
Rootstown Chamber By Denese Schneckenburger It's time for the annual Rootstown Area Chamber of Commerce Community and Business Expo! This year's EXPO will be held on October 24th, 10:00AM-2:00PM at the Rootstown High School. The gymnasium (and beyond) is filled with the best area businesses. There will be trick-or-treating and a costume contest for the children, the ever-popular Chinese auction is back, and we will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win some grand prizes! It is sure to have something for all ages. All proceeds go to benefit the Chamber Scholarship Fund and special projects. Bring the family and join in the fun. See the chamber website for more details: www.rootstownchamber.org. Thank you to all who have joined us at the many Chamber events this spring and summer. Your support and attendance mean a great deal to this organization. These events showcase our local businesses, and provide an opportunity to raise funds for the chamber scholarship program. This year, we have held business after-hours at Access to Independence, Barrel Run Crossing Winery, Mi Rancho Mexican Restaurant, the NEOMED Wine and Beer Tasting, Angelo's Pizzeria at the NEOMED Farmer's Market and coming soon is our annual Expo on Oct. 24th. Each year, the Rootstown Area Chamber of Commerce has provided two scholarships to graduating seniors of the Rootstown High School. In 2016, Bio-Med Science Academy located at NEOMED University will graduate its first class of seniors! What an accomplishment for the school and this community. With that, the Chamber of Commerce has chosen to expand on our commitment to the young men and women of this com- munity by adding a scholarship opportunity for the BIOMED graduating seniors. This is a big goal for the Chamber and your continued support is greatly appreciated. Thank you again, and please mark your calendars to join us at the Expo in October!
NHS Summer Clean Up By Carol Pullin Rootstown National Honor Society performs a variety of service activities for the district and community. It has become a tradition that the senior members reserve a summer morning for “grounds clean up”. This year the entrance to the Memorial Garden was the targeted area. Shrubs were trimmed, weeds were pulled and walkways were cleared. Other service projects for this fall will include our “Kids Pak” collection. Small toys are collected from each first period class. Classes have the opportunity to win prizes (which are provided by the current NHS members).These are delivered to Robinson Memorial Hospital’s “Kids Pak” program. Countless Portage county children have benefitted from this program. Pictured left to right: Jessica Wilson, Anthony Paolucci, and Marissa McGurk
Rootstown High School Band By Jen Flecksteiner Even though the band has been working hard at practice during their full day band camp, there's still time for smiling faces. They've worked so hard under their new director so please come out on Friday nights, cheer on the team and enjoy the hard work the band has done to put on a great half time show! Band Camp students hard at work gearing up for the new school year Photo by: Jen Flecksteiner Page 3 Curriculum and the Office of Special Education Terri Hrina-Treharn - Curriculum Director, (330)325-2014 • Lynn Fatica - Director of Special Education, (330)325-4144 Google Arrives at Rootstown! Gifted Education Rootstown has migrated over to the Google According to State Law, students can be referred for testing for platform this year. We had two pilot groups of staff possible gifted identification at any time. If you would like your child and administrators get trained last spring and all tested for possible gifted identification, please complete the form staff were trained at the start of this school year. located on the district website and return it to the Rootstown Board of Students in grades 4-12 are now in the process of Education Office, care of Terri Sigler, district Gifted Coordinator. being trained as well. What does this mean? First, if you are trying to contact anyone in the district, they now have a new email address. For example, my old email address was [email protected]. Terri Hrina-Treharn From the Office of Special Education org. ALL new email addresses will keep the same Curriculum Director Welcome back! We are looking forward to a fun beginning but the ending is now “@roversk12.org.” and successful 2015-2016 school year. One way to Therefore, mine is now [email protected]. ensure success for your child this year is to make Please keep this in mind especially if you are trying to contact your sure that they are practicing good organization and child’s teacher and/or principal. Secondly, moving to Google Apps for study skills. Many capable children at all grade Education provides a suite of free tools for collaboration. Students will levels experience frustration and failure in school, be able to utilize tools such as Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Classroom, not because they lack ability, but because they do etc. Along with this comes an email account. Depending on the grade not have adequate study skills. Here’s a list of level, certain restrictions will be placed on the student accounts. We strategies that you can use to help your child stay Lynn Fatica believe the Google platform enhances students’ opportunity to achieve organized this school year: the 21st century skills of communication, collaboration, creativity and Director of Special critical thinking. • Use checklists. Education/School Help your child get into the habit of keeping a Psychologist Moving to the Google platform, as many other schools have already “to-do” list. Use checklists to post assignments, done, better allows us to teach the technology standards set forth by household chores, and reminders about what materials to bring to the Ohio Department of Education and prepare students for the future. school. Crossing completed items off the list will give a sense of For more information on these and to see the standards for your child’s accomplishment grade level, please refer to the homepage of the district website. As we • Organize homework assignments. live in an ever evolving world of technology, our goal is to both prepare Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to students with the skills they will need to graduate as well as for life after number assignments in the order in which they should be done. graduation. We want your child to be a competitive prospective employ- ee as most, if not all jobs involve some aspect of technology nowadays. • Designate a study space. It is helpful to have your child study in the same place every night. All school supplies and materials should be nearby. • Set a designated study time. Testing Updates Your child should know that a certain time every day is reserved for In mid-October we should receive the results from the spring 2015 studying and doing homework. The best time may not be right after science and social studies tests students took. The results from the school - most children benefit from time to unwind first. Include English language arts and mathematics tests will not be available until your child in making this decision. Even if he/she doesn’t have sometime this winter. homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day’s lessons, read for pleasure, or work on an upcoming project. Moving forward, as part of the state’s 2016-2017 budget, the General • Keep organized notebooks. Assembly directed the Ohio Department of Education to transition to Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder new tests for this year in mathematics and English language arts. As a or notebook. This will help to review the material for each day’s result, Ohio will no longer use the PARCC tests. All tests will be classes and to organize the material later to prepare for tests and developed by AIR who developed the science and social studies tests quizzes. Use dividers to separate class notes, or color-code note- last year. With this come changes in test administration as well. Tests books. Separate “to do” and “done” folders help organize work- will be shorter and administered during one test window versus two. sheets, notices, and items to be signed by parents, as well as provide The testing window for our district will be from April 11th to May 13th. a central place to store completed assignments. More specific information about when your child’s grade level will test will be communicated at a later time. • Conduct a weekly clean-up. Encourage your child to sort through book bags and notebooks on a In regards to high school science, grade nine students who enrolled in weekly basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and kept in a public high school after July 1, 2014, were required to take the phys- a separate file at home. ical science test if they were enrolled in the physical science course. • Create a household schedule. Those students may retake the physical science test or a substitute test Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bed- through their senior years. The same students may take a biology course time. This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children in the 2015-2016 school year; the biology test is optional for them. If with a regular bedtime go to school well-rested. needed, the biology test may serve as their • Prepare for the day ahead. graduation requirement. Before your child goes to bed, pack schoolwork and books in a book bag. The next day’s clothes can be laid out also. This will cut Freshmen students who enrolled in a public high school after July 1, down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly 2014, and did not take the physical science test in the 2014-2015 school for the day ahead. year are required to take the biology test if they were enrolled in the biology course. Finally, grade nine students who first enroll in a public Adapted from “Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children” high school after July 1, 2015, are required to take the biology test if by theCoordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities(CCLD) they are enrolled in the biology course. Page 4 High School A3: Academics... Arts... Athletics Ward Davis Building (330) 325-7911 • James Conley - Principal Proud to be a Rover From the High School Counselor’s office: My name is James Conley, and I am proud to First, I would like to welcome new and returning be Rootstown’s new High School Principal. I students and their parents. As I reflect on the 2014- graduated from Hiram College with a Bachelor of 15 school year, I am amazed at the accomplishments Arts in Integrated Social Studies. I then taught at of our students. Regardless of the venue, in the Field Local Schools, Waterloo Local Schools and classroom or on the athletic field, our Rootstown most recently Fairless Local Schools. During that High School students have made the Rootstown span I earned my Masters of Arts in Educational community very proud! Thank you to the parents Leadership from Malone University. I currently James Conley for your continued support of your son/daughter’s Kalee Basquin efforts, and thank you to the students for making reside in North Canton with my wife (Ashley), our H.S. Principal H.S. Counselor two sons (Oliver and Sullivan), and our newest us proud to call you Rovers! As we begin the edition, our first daughter (Evelyn), who was born 2015-2016 school year I would like to offer the August 20th. I am honored to be the educational leader of the High following suggestions for each class as we prepare to make this a posi- School and look forward to meeting all of our students and families. tive and rewarding year.
Academics…Arts…Athletics SENIORS are encouraged to begin planning for their post-high As an educational institution I believe we have the job of not only ed- school goals. To assist the seniors, I will hold a College Night for Sen- ucating students but to help mold and influence their lives in a positive iors and Parents on September 21. Individual student counseling con- way. All students have abilities, but no two students are alike. There ferences have been scheduled beginning in September to guide students are many ways that Rootstown High School can positively impact each in the college application process. The RHS Guidance Webpage will and every student that walks through our doors. The three major ave- be updated throughout the year about college events, learning opportu- nues to accomplish this are Academics, the Arts, and Athletics. Each nities, internships, and scholarships. A Senior Newsletter will be sent student can find their way into one or even all three of those avenues. home monthly to keep students and parents informed throughout this exciting time. Through my life experiences I gained a passion for education and how it can change lives in a positive way. I personally came from a Many JUNIORS have already begun to make educational and career humble background and things did not always go my way growing plans for the future. Make plans to take the PSAT this fall and the ACT up. However, early in my life some teachers saw potential in me and and SAT in the spring. The PSAT will be given on October 14 at RHS. explained in not so many words that education was going to be my I will be providing PSAT information to students in September as to way to make something of myself. Nelson Mandela, once imprisoned how to sign up for the PSAT. Juniors should plan to take the SAT and/ due to apartheid and eventual President of South Africa, once said, or ACT at least once. It may be beneficial to take the tests twice during “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change your Junior year to have two scores when applying to colleges next the world.” My hope is that Rootstown High School can open and fill fall. Students may register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org and the your mind with a thirst of further knowledge. Our goal is to no longer SAT at www.collegeboard.org. motivate you but to inspire you to become a lifelong learner. For SOPHOMORES, it is never too early to think ahead toward The Arts have been a part of education from the beginning. An edu- post-high school plans. The courses you take now will have a great cation in combination with the arts has many powerful benefits to stu- impact on the courses and choices open to you during your senior year. dents. In a recent article from PBS.org titled The Importance of Art in Begin to look at who you are and what may be your special talents and Child Development, the author outlines the major benefits of fine arts: interests. motor skills, language development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness, and improved academic performance FRESHMEN, I hope you understand the importance of this first (Hwang Lynch). These benefits come from a number of different class- year. This is the foundation for your next four years of high school. es that we offer and hope to expand to reach all of our students. Terms like GPA, cumulative GPA, course selection and test scores should begin to have long-range meaning. Students are encouraged to Athletics are yet another path for students to grow and shine here at see me with questions or concerns in any area. I want to help all of you Rootstown High School. Athletics allow students to learn and show- reach for success! RHS is also fortunate to have a counselor from Cole- case skills as well as learn life lessons. As a former student athlete man Behavioral Health to help our students. If you think your child and coach I learned and taught many lessons including but not limited could benefit, please contact Miss Basquin [email protected] to: teamwork, perseverance, overcoming adversity, leadership, and or (330)325-4108 to make a referral. self-discipline. Athletes can take these lessons and apply them to their lives in and out of the classroom and beyond. What’s Happening in 10th Grade English Each student is unique and special to our Rover Family and it is my hope that all students attending Rootstown High School find a way to Language Arts? By Kelly Morris shine through Academics, the Arts, or Athletics. Welcome back! The 10th graders created Prezi assignments to introduce themselves to me. If you have a 10th grader at home, please Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] and follow ask to see it and maybe you will learn something new or see some fun us on Twitter and Instagram @Rtown_Rovers. pictures. Also, I have a student teacher this year, Miss Powell. She is with us from the University of Akron and will be here until December. The students have given her a warm welcome and have shown her how great Rovers are! Page 5 Middle School Learners Today - Leaders Tomorrow Mabel Schnee Building (330) 325-9956 • Robert Campbell - Principal Welcome Back Starting the School Year Right!
The middle school staff welcomed back over Helping your child to begin the school year on a 300 students during the first week of September, successful note is very important. By helping your to begin the 2015-2016 school year. The students child prepare and organize, he/she will be better and staff alike are energized and ready for the new able to handle whatever comes along during the school year! Along with some of our students enter- school year. It is equally important to make sure ing the middle school for the first time this year, we that your child knows that they are responsible for also have the pleasure of welcoming several new homework, important papers, getting up on time staff members to the building as well. Robert Campbell and going to sleep on time, and that he/she knows Amelia Mohan M.S. Principal that you are there to help them. Parents need to M.S. Counselor Staff members who are new to the district include reinforce the importance of doing homework, Mr. Jess Hluch-Industrial Tech, Mr. Daniel McCloskey-Instrumental including preparing a place at home where your student is able to sit Music and Mrs. Jennifer Hockstra-Educaional Aide. We also have the down complete problems or read lessons and take notes. This place pleasure of welcoming several staff members to the Middle School should be a quiet part of the house. Parents should also ask about your who have been in other buildings within the district and are now part child’s day and what they have to do for tomorrow. Please check book of our Middle School team; Mrs. Kimberly Lefoer-6th grade Math and bags and if necessary, lockers, often so that work and important notices Social Studies and Mrs. Kathy Freeland-Educational Aide. do not pile up or get buried in the bottom of things. Make use of the assignment books and the website to check for homework (www. Our maintenance staff worked diligently throughout the summer rootstown.sparcc.org), the “Class Pages” section is great for keeping up months to provide a building that is clean and safe for our students. with homework and notes from the teacher in each class. One of the most apparent improvements is the paving of our South parking lot and drive. There are also many other projects that have If your child is “organizationally-challenged”, help them to see that been the focus of our summer maintenance program including: re- being organized makes things easier. Post a list of what is needed each painting many walls and refreshing floors throughout the building and day. Help them to sort out what is needed in their papers and what is installing a new SMART board. Overall, the maintenance staff has not. Some papers will need to be saved, others will not. Trapper keep- prepared a clean and functional space for our students to learn. If you ers and notebooks will need to be updated weekly, to keep the papers were unable to attend the open house in September, please feel free to where they belong and the zippers intact. visit the building with your child to see the facility where their learn- ing is taking place. I hope that you and yours have an incredible school year!
Parent/Student Involvement As the 2015-2016 school year begins, I would like to take a moment to encourage parents to become involved with their children’s academ- ic ventures. When considering the development of your child, it is im- Title 1 portant to realize the impact that you have on them. Each time you sit According to Parents Right-to-Know (NCLB, 1111), you have the down with your child to help with homework, attend school functions, right as a parent to request information regarding the professional speak positively about school or your child’s teacher, or generally qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher. If you wish to request convey a positive message about education, you are helping your child this information, please contact Mr. Campbell develop long term habits that will benefit them for life. It will be very helpful to your child, if throughout the year, you take time to read with him or her and help with homework.
It is also critical that students work hard to maintain the best attend- ance they can, so there are as few breaks in instruction for them as can be. Communication with your child’s teachers is also helpful in devel- oping a positive academic environment. Please feel free to maintain open lines of communication with the teachers and staff at the school.
As students progress through the middle grades, it is a time that they are not only developing academically but socially as well. Apart from involvement at home, there are a number of ways that you and your child can get involved with the school to help foster that development. The PTO is an organization that helps to support the efforts of the school and students, and is a great way for parents to become involved. Also, there are many activities and clubs that students can participate in, throughout the year. In the past, our students seem to have en- joyed the Art, Ski and Tech clubs. There are also a number of athletic opportunities for students including: football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling and track. Page 6 Elementary School R o ve r P.R . I . D. E Bertha Bradshaw Building (330) 325-7971 • Je rey Turner - Principal Dear Parents: 2015 Third Grade Reading OAAs On behalf of the Rootstown Elementary School I am proud to announce that our 3rd graders from the 2014-15 school staff, I would like to welcome our students and year performed extremely well on last year’s Third Grade OAA given parents to the 2015-16 school year. It was great in the Spring. Our 3rd graders were number one in the county with seeing you during the Open House on August 31st. a 93.8% passage rate! Congratulations to the teachers, students and Once again, the year promises to be filled with many community for these results. opportunities for our students to grow academically and socially through varied instructional techniques Title 1 and programs. It is our goal each year to plan instruction and programs to meet the needs of all According to Parents Right-to-Know (NCLB, 1111), you have the types of learners. Jeffrey Turner right as a parent to request information regarding the professional E.S. Principal qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher. If you wish to request As we begin the year, I would like to share this information, please contact Mr. Turner changes to the building and staff: ● The building received new ChromeBooks from Permanent Student Handbook Reminders Improvement District funds in the 4-5 computer lab. On the first day of school, your child received the student handbook ● The PTA donated ChromeBooks for an additional mobile cart and regarding expected behavior at school. Please review the handbook tablets called Boogie Boards to the building. Thank you PTA! with your child and sign and return the last page to your child’s teacher. As we are experiencing warmer weather this time of the year, please ● In order to continue the progress with our Rover Pride theme make sure your child is following the dress code policy. Thank you for started last year, students and visitors will now see posters around your assistance in this matter. the building reminding students of expected behaviors in a particular part of the building. Notes To School ● Please join me in welcoming the following staff members to Notes to school are available on the website for your convenience. Rootstown : Otherwise, when you send a note to school, please include your child’s Ms. Mulhollen: Attendance Secretary full name and teacher. If you have more than one child, please write Miss Sturm: Kindergarten, a separate note for each child. Thank you for your cooperation in this Mrs. Schler: Fourth Grade matter. Mrs. Palmer: Intervention Specialist, Miss Persinger: Intervention Specialist Mr. Griffin: Playground Aide R Mrs. Stanley: Educational Aide Mrs. Bartholomy moved from 4th grade Intervention Specialist to First Grade. Mrs. Svenson moved from First Grade to Second Grade. Mr. Richardson joins us as the new Music teacher, leaving Middle and High School Band. While we had many changes to the building, the staff will continue to reward students for displaying the various Rover PRIDE behavior ex- pectations with a PRIDE ticket. The Rover PRIDE tickets will model the Star tickets from previous years, and each week ten students will be chosen at random to receive a prize from Mrs. Ray. In addition to our Welcome back to all students and families! PRIDE tickets, all teachers are encouraged to use the terminology and language from the matrices and to use creative, positive interventions I hope that you all had a wonderful and relaxing to reward students within the classroom. Lastly, our monthly charac- summer vacation. ter trait and counselor lesson will reflect our PRIDE theme allowing In the coming week(s), look for a form that will our monthly “Turner Award” winners to exemplify that month’s behav- come home with each student. This form will allow ior and character trait. me to better understand the needs of our students and will become the basis of our small group I am looking forward to a great school year. Please contact me with and guidance lesson themes throughout the year. any questions or concerns during the school year. Specific lesson topics that will be covered will include anti-bullying in the beginning of the year, Danielle Ray Go Rovers! as well as career awareness toward the end of our Elem. Counselor school year. If you have any creative ideas that can Sincerely, be incorporated into our anti-bullying and career Mr. Jeffrey Turner lessons, please feel free to share them with me! Note my new email address: [email protected] As part of my role in the building, I visit every classroom once a Important Dates: month for a guidance lesson and am available to meet with students individually to ensure academic and emotional success. In addtion, September 22nd-September 25th: Fire Safety Week I will be offering several small group experiences throughout the year. If you would like your child to meet with me or partic- October 30th: Fall Parties ipate in any of the small group experiences, please contact me at 330.325.2011 or [email protected]. I am here to support our December 1st and 3rd: Third Grade AIR ELA Testing students and their families in having a successful year. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me! December 22nd: Winter Parties Page 7 Athletics Keith Waesch - Athletic Director, (330) 325-2006
P.T.C. Landscape has Changed in P.T. C. Breakdown 2015-16 County Division: The Portage Trail Conference begins its 11th year School Boys Girls Total of existence with the start of the 2015-16 school Crestwood 209 206 415 year. Southeast 220 188 408 The P.T.C., which formed in 2005-06 with the Garfield 157 155 312 Rootstown 144 102 246 addition of six schools (Coventry, East Canton, Keith Waesch Kent Roosevelt, Norton, Ravenna & Springfield) to Athletic Director Waterloo 110 127 237 the former Portage County League, has undergone Mogadore 97 95 192 several changes over the past decade. Lake Center Christian 71 89 160
This fall, the P.T.C. landscape has changed once again. Metro Division: Kent Roosevelt has departed the P.T.C. and joined the new Suburban League, while long-time Suburban League member Cloverleaf and School Boys Girls Total independent Lake Center Christian have become members of the P.T.C. Springfield 341 279 620 Cloverleaf 290 268 558 Aside from the addition of the two schools above and subtraction Coventry 280 248 528 of Kent Roosevelt, the P.T.C. has also undergone change within the Norton 281 244 525 conference as Crestwood, Streetsboro and Woodridge have switched Ravenna 272 245 517 divisions. Woodridge 241 226 467 Beginning in 2015-16, the P.T.C. County Division will be comprised Streetsboro 236 214 450 of seven schools and the Metro Division will total eight schools. Field 220 208 428 Here is a breakdown of how the P.T.C. looks this fall: County Divi- sion – Crestwood, Garfield, Lake Center Christian, Mogadore, Roots- Note: The enrollment figures above are based on the number town, Southeast and Waterloo; Metro Division – Cloverleaf, Coventry, of students in grades 9, 10 and 11 as of October 31, 2014. The Field, Norton, Ravenna, Springfield, Streetsboro and Woodridge. enrollment figures are used to determine O.H.S.A.A. tournament divisions for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years. The divisions are formed based on enrollment numbers. The biggest schools in the P.T.C. compete in the Metro Division, while the smaller schools are in the County Division. Rover Sports Schedules on Internet The middle school divisions match the high school alignment. Rootstown high and middle school sports schedules are available on the Internet. Schedules can be accessed by logging on to www.schedulestar.com and then searching under Rootstown High Booster Club Meetings Set School. The Rootstown Sports Booster Club regularly meets on the first The schedules are as up-to-date as those in the athletic office. Sunday of each month in the high school cafeteria at 7 p.m. Schedules are subject to change. All Rootstown residents are welcome to attend.
For more information on the booster club and its meetings, contact athletic director Keith Waesch at 330-325-2006.
Homecoming Game set for October 9 e annual Homecoming football game has been scheduled for GO Friday, Oct. 9 vs. Waterloo High School. Homecoming festivities will begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. with kicko at 7 p.m. e Homecoming dance will be held in the high school gym on Saturday, Oct. 10. ROVERS! Page 8 New Faces Around Campus At the Elementary ~ Meet Miss Sturm, Mrs. Palmer, Miss Persinger and Mrs. Schler My name is Amanda Sturm and I am so very excited to start my journey with Rootstown Local Schools! I am a graduate of Kent State University where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education. I have worked for the last five years as a second and third grade teacher. Teaching kindergarten, however, has always been my professional dream. I am so very happy to be able to have that opportunity at Rootstown Elementary. I have taught for Massillon City Schools, Our Lady of Peace Catholic School in Canton, and Imagine on Superior Charter School in Canton. When I am not at school, I am usually teaching dance classes and working as an artistic director for a dance studio in Massillon. I teach ballet, pointe, tap, lyrical, and creative movement. I also coach a dance competition team and choreograph musicals for a high school in Stark County. My name is Sarah Palmer, and I am a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I also graduated from The University of Akron with a Master's degree in Education. I worked in the mental health field for 2 years before obtaining my credentials in teaching. I began my teaching career in Canton where I was an Intervention Specialist. I also had the opportunity to work in the Akron and Rittman School Districts. I am confident that my experiences will guide students to become lifelong learners. During my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, read, participate in outdoor activities, and shop! I am looking forward to working with the teachers and students within the Rootstown Local School District.
My name is Rachel Persinger and I am the new 3rd and 4th grade Intervention Specialist. I’m really excited to join the Rootstown family, and I hope to meet many of you soon. I graduated in December of 2014 from Kent State University with a degree in Mild to Moderate Special Education. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a bank teller for five years. I completed my student teaching at Stanton Middle School in Kent. Everyone I have met has been so kind and helpful. I am looking forward to a great school year!
My name is Shannon Schler. I received my undergraduate degree from The University of Akron, and have my Master's in Reading and Gifted Education from East Carolina University. I recently moved back to Green, Ohio after teaching third grade in New Bern, North Carolina for three years. In my spare time I enjoy kayaking and hiking with my dogs. I also enjoy reading and making crafts. I look forward to working with the students of Rootstown Elementary School.
At the Middle School ~ Meet Mr. McCloskey and Mr. Hluch
I am Daniel McCloskey, and I am a graduate of Kent State University with a degree in Music Education. I am currently working with all instrumental music ensembles from 5th through 12th grade. I started my teaching career working with many well-known directors in NE Ohio, where I gained much experience and an appreciation for the impact music is able to have upon a school and community. I am looking forward to working with all of the students and faculty to develop an outstand- ing music program we can all be proud of. I hope you can all come out and attend several of our performances throughout the year, and cheer on the football team and band this great marching season!
Hello, my name is Jess Hluch. I am a former graduate of Rootstown Schools and Kent State University, holding a B.A. in biology and a B.S. in Math. My hobby and home business is woodworking at all levels from carving and sculpting, cabinetry and fine furniture to lathery work. I have been a chair maker for over 30 years now. My family comprises of my wife Karen, an R.N. at Akron General, my oldest son Lane, who is a three time state hammer champion, now a freshmen attending Cedarville University and Conner, sometimes known as C.C. here at the schools, who is a junior at the high school and is deeply involved in basketball and track. He was a middle school state champion as well. I am happy to be back at my old Alma matter serving as the Industrial Tech teacher at the middle school. This is the same lab that my father was a student in, before heading off to the Pacific Theatre to fight in World War II.
At the High School ~ Meet Miss Mullins & Miss Berry
My name is Ashley Mullins and I graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 2014 with a degree in Integrated Science grades 7-12. I am originally from Portage County, graduating from Garrettsville in 2009. I am excited to have the opportunity to teach in Portage County. I hope to give back to the Portage community through education, as much as it gave to me growing up. I currently live in Garrettsville with my loving fiancé, Toby, and my 4-legged child, Ziggy. If I am I not planning a new and exciting lab or classroom exploration, you can find me curled up watching a movie and cuddling with my dog or going for a hike down Headwaters Trail.
My name is Sarah Barry and I am thrilled to be a Rover! I am a graduate of Kent State University with a degree in Integrated Science Education and a Minor in Chemistry. I am originally from the Cleveland area and am now living in Kent. I have been riding horses since the age of six and teaching English riding lessons for the past eight years. I look forward to sharing some of those experiences as well as my passion for science with my students! I am also excited to be getting married on April 2nd to my best friend since the fourth grade! If I am not in my classroom, I am cooking, baking, or lifting weights with my fiancé. Page 9 News From Around The Community Rootstown Historical Society My Dad had a Ford ton-and-a-half truck in which my Mother taught me to double-clutch on the back roads of Rootstown. Dad Growing Up At Muzzy Lake By RHS Alumni, Class of taught me how to put on snow chains, which we frequently had to do 1952, Gwen Gille Witsaman, Gold River, California so we could get up the hill leading out of Muzzy Lake to Route 44. My love affair with Muzzy Lake in Rootstown, Ohio began during the Every weekend our house was filled with visitors and music. My summer of my 10th year. We moved from Franklin, Pennsylvania to father played the piano and he invited other musicians for “jam Ravenna, Ohio when my parents bought the local Western Auto store on sessions.” Throughout the summer months the visitors kept coming West Main Street. and Mom was always in the kitchen feeding the hordes. One day she America had just entered World War II, housing was scarce and said, “I’m tired of making macaroni salad. We’re moving back to rationing of food and gasoline had just begun. We finally found an old town!” And we did. apartment on Spruce Street in Ravenna which served us well until my Our midsummer night’s dream of living at Muzzy Lake in the sister was born and we felt pretty cramped. My father, Werner Gille, 1950’s ended. As a young bride, married to Harold Witsaman, we decided to alleviate the crowded rooms. We could buy a weekend were able to live there for a few months before it was sold. cottage at Muzzy Lake in Rootstown, and he did. It was pretty basic as far as a cottage goes. We had well water, but had to use an outhouse. Farewell, Muzzy Lake, with all its memories. We’ll love you Every weekend we’d drive the four miles to Muzzy Lake from Ravenna forever. and hated to come home on Sunday evening. Because we so enjoyed those summer days, we decided to enlarge the cottage, winterize it and Rootstown Lions Club By Terri Haddad, President redecorate the interior, so we could live there all winter too. We ended up living at Muzzy Lake for eight happy years. The Rootstown Lions Club is a group of Rootstown Citizens that are I entered Rootstown School in the seventh grade and my sister, Becky, dedicated to serving the Community of Rootstown all throughout the started first grade three years later. Every morning we walked our dirt, year through a variety of Community Projects. Our Club was char- quarter-mile road to Highway 44 and waited for the school bus. We tered on February 20, 1957. Our Club motto is “We Serve”. were the last ones on and the first ones off in the afternoon. The students in my class welcomed me whole heartedly and we are still friends today Thank You to everyone that supported our Club by purchasing food in 2015, with reunions every five years. I graduated in 1952, the same from our booth at the Randolph Fair. All profits from our fund raising year Rootstown celebrated its Sesquicentennial Anniversary. events are placed back into the Rootstown Community through vari- ous Community Projects. Our summer days were spent swimming, fishing and rowing our big old wooden boat. There were horseshoe games, bad-mitten and playing Some of the recent Community Services provided by our Club in the woods; building forts and rafts (that never floated). I’d lie on include: 4 - $500.00 College Scholarships to Rootstown Graduates the dock to wash my hair because the lake had rain water which made Memorial Day Parade my hair especially soft. I also picked lots of water lilies from the boat. Easter Egg Hunt @ Gracie Field There were white, pink and yellow ones. The lake didn’t have any beaches then because the bottom was squishy clay. We did use the clay Upcoming Community Services provided by our Club include: to make little pots. I’m still doing ceramics now in my own studio. We “GOOD Awards” provided to Rootstown Students. jumped off the dock and kept swimming without touching the bottom. Food Concessions at the Rootstown Community Expo In winter everything slowed down. There was ice skating and whip- Backpack Ministry for Rootstown Students lashing the sled across the icy lake. When the snow came there was lots Senior Citizen Dinner for Rootstown Residents of shoveling. It was more of a chore walking to meet the bus, too. Of course there were always chores to be done to keep everything on an ******************************************************* even keel. When it was just a cottage, we had an icebox. I still remem- Christmas Tree Sales - Our Club will be selling ber the visit of the iceman. He was a short, burly Italian man who wore live Christmas Trees again this year. We set up at a piece of leather over his shoulder where he slung the huge block of ice Wise Greenhouse in November. This is one of our with iron tongs. He’d put the block in the bottom compartment of the largest fund raising projects each year. Thank you ice box. It was our responsibility each day to empty the tray of water to everyone that has supported this project in years from the melted ice. It was also my job every week to bury the garbage past. We look forward to seeing each of you again in the woods. I’d pull the can into the woods on a cart, dig a deep hole, this year. dump the contents in and cover the hole. It was easy digging for the dirt was soft black muck. Thank you to Kevin & Brenda Wise for providing space to our club for this project. The biggest chore had to be done every spring. Our well pump was ******************************************************* under the house with access from the bathroom. It sat way down inside a cement box the size of a septic tank. Every spring when the snow Our Club is currently providing FREE Reflective Address Signs to melted and the lake rose, the box would fill up with water. The pump sat Rootstown Residents. The purpose of the Reflective Address Signs is on top of a pipe about three feet off the bottom. We had to make sure the to help Police & Fire locate your residence quickly in the event of an water never reached the pump or the electric wiring. To achieve this, I emergency. was stationed under the house with a bucket on the end of a rope. I’d Contact Lion Jeff Pickens at [email protected]. dip it in and fill it with water, haul it up and pass it on to my Mom who stood above me. She then handed it to our Grandmother in the bath- “Like Us” on Facebook so that you can stay abreast of the many room who would then pour it down the toilet. This was a whole day of ways we are serving the Rootstown Community all year long. hard work. Page 10 PTA/PTO - GET INVOLVED! PTA ~ Parent Teacher Association President - Brenda Giebel By Jake Sladkey Vice President - Lisa Scott Secretary - Cindy Sladkey Welcome back to a new and exciting school year with our Rootstown Rovers! Treasurer - Open The PTA has been busy this summer! Besides the meetings, there have been some great things happening. From new program brainstorming to Ohio PTA training, to improving the way we can all communicate with each other in a more streamlined way! Here are some ways we have been at work to keep growing and helping our families and kids get the most out of our school:
• Blue Sky Green Fields: With Market Day no longer in business, we will incorporate a convenient and healthy online shopping source for “farmer’s market” quality produce and other grocery items delivered fresh and sourced local and organic as much as possible. More details to come regarding delivery times and dates and location as well as sign up information. • Improved communication by way of a single email contact to reach all members of our PTA board. This new email being utilized by the whole board is a fast and easy way of communication. Please reach out to them at [email protected] for any of your questions and concerns. • Welcome families: The PTA is inviting all moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas to team up with us to grow this volunteer group strong. Spread the word, we would love to have you join us today! There are many opportunities to volunteer with the PTA before, during, or after school. You get to pick the project and the amount of time you want to contribute. • We are creating a brand new way for you to sign up to volunteer for activities which will be all online! Information will be sent home.
Announcements: • Be sure to sign up on or before October 25th to be entered in a drawing where one person will get a chance in the MONEY MACHINE at the Community Expo! Check www.rootstown.sparcc.org/elemschool for more details. Stop and see us at the booth for up-to-date info about the PTA. • The next PTA meeting will be held on September 22nd at 5:30PM in the Elementary School Library. Further meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month (Oct 6th, Nov 3rd, Dec 1st, and Jan 5th). *Note: No child care will be provided at the meetings. • Race for education is moving to spring. • All students will be receiving a free t-shirt from the PTA this fall …. Look for the flyer coming soon. • PTA would also like to congratulate all the students that did their summer packets and earned Rover dollars for rewards at the Rover Store! Great Job!
PTO ~ Parent Teacher Organization By Lori Bender
We are excited to announce that the PTS is now a PTO. We have voted on and began following a set of bylaws that will help to guide the structure of our organ- ization. We’ve also applied for 501(c)3 status! All parents, teachers and community members are welcome to join PTO. We meet the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm in the middle school Home Ec. Room. Yearly dues are $5. Throughout the year, PTO sponsors several activities for the children including dances, the talent show and a drama production. Our first dance will be in October. Members of the PTO also plan, execute and chaperone the yearly 8th grade class trip. This year a trip will be taken to Washington, DC in November. Payment will be required in full at the MANDATORY meeting on October 1th at 7pm. The trip co-chairs this year are Lori Bender 330-325-0785, [email protected] and Jamie Brewster 330-850-5168, [email protected]. If you have any questions/comments/concerns, please contact one of them as the school is not involved with the planning of the trip.
The PTO will host a few fundraisers through the year which include Rover Wear sales and cookie dough. Through our fundraising efforts, we have been able to honor teacher requests for things such as calculators, iPads and LCD projectors to be used in the classrooms. We have also been able to purchase books for the library and classrooms, buy a podium used for assemblies and other productions and help with the purchase of an electronic piano for the school’s music depart- ment. We greatly appreciate your support! Why Join the PTO? • The PTO offers parents the opportunity to make positive changes in the school • The PTO distributes information on a regular basis via emails and a website so that members can be informed of and respond to school issues and activities in a timely manner • Joining the PTO shows an interest in your child’s education and school activities, shows greater support for his/her teachers and school and improves the relationship between parents and school personnel How Involved Do I Have To Be? You can be as involved as you want to be. We understand that people have very busy schedules and that time is precious. Therefore we appreciate any time you can spare. Volunteers are always needed to chair committees and work events but if you can’t find the time, we just appreciate your membership. We only ask that you join, receive email updates, and check out our website. Please contact any of the officers if you would like to volunteer your time. Help us support our wonderful Middle School teachers, staff and students! Co-Presidents: Lori Bender 330-325-0785 and Jamie Brewster 330-850-5168 Secretary: Laci McIntyre 330-325-7979 Treasurer: Jacqui Devies 330-608-4040 Page 11 2015/2016 School Calendar August January June 28, 31 All Certified Staff in-service 1 Winter Break - No School 3 Last day for Students 15 2nd Grading Period Ends 5 Graduation - Seniors September 18 MLK Day - No School 6 Staff in-service 1 First Student Day 19 2nd Semester Begins 7 Labor Day - No School 178 Student Days February 2 Parent/Teacher October 11 Parent/Teacher Conf. - Conference days 2 Interims Distributed Elem/HS/MS 4 Staff In-service Days 15 Parent/Teacher Conf. - HS/MS 15 President’s day - No School 16 NEOEA day - No School 19 Interims Distributed Calamity Days begin on June 6, 2016 20 Parent/Teacher Conf. - MS 30 1st Grading Period Ends March 18 3rd Grading Period Ends November 21-25 Spring Break - No School 19 Parent/Teacher Conf. - Elem 23 Parent/Teacher Conf. - Elem April 25-27 Thanksgiving Break - 29 Interims Distributed No School May December 30 Memorial Day - No School 4 Interims Distributed 23-31 Winter Break - No School
The regular Board of Education School District Personnel meetings are held every month Superintendent ...... Mr. Andrew Hawkins ...... 330-325-9911 at 6:00 p.m. Please visit our Treasurer ...... Ms. Connie Baldwin ...... 330-325-9911 district website at Curriculum Director ...... Dr. Terri Hrina-Treharn ...... 330-325-2014 www.rootstown.sparcc.org for Director of Special Education ...... Mrs. Lynn Fatica ...... 330-325-4144 the specific dates. The public Elementary Principal ...... Mr. Jeff Turner ...... 330-325-7971 is cordially invited to attend all Middle School Principal ...... Mr. Robert Campbell ...... 330-325-9956 meetings. High School Principal ...... Mr. Jim Conley ...... 330-325-7911 Director of Business Affairs/Trans ...... Mr. Matt Collins ...... 330-325-0189 Note: Date may occasionally Director of Food Services ...... Mrs. Peggy Shewell ...... 330-325-4139 change due to inclement weather Board of Education President ...... Mr. Jay Kelsey ...... 330-221-5369 or holidays. Board of Education Vice President ...... Mr. Norm Reynolds ...... 330-297-0431 Board of Education Leg. Liaison ...... Mr. Norm Reynolds ...... 330-297-0431 The monthly board agenda and Board of Education Student Liasion ...... Mrs. Stephanie Langguth ...... 330-297-9217 minutes can be found on the Board of Education Member ...... Mr. Tom Siciliano ...... 330-325-2176 district website at Board of Education Member ...... Mr. Bob Park ...... 330-850-5026 www.rootstown.sparcc.org.
Other Numbers of Interest Rootstown Schools, in US Senator Rob Portman ...... 202-222-3353 collaboration with the US Senator Sherrod Brown ...... 202-224-2315 community, will provide a US Representative Jim Renacci ...... 330-630-7311 quality education in a safe Governor John Kasich ...... 614-466-3555 environment for students to State Senetor John Eklund ...... 614-644-7718 become productive, State Representative Kathleen Clyde ...... 614-466-2004 Ohio Department of Education ...... 877-644-6338 lifelong learners. Page 12 rootstown loCAl sCHools Non-Profit Org. rootstown, oHio 44272 U.S. Postage PAID Akron, OH Permit #434
The Rootstown Communicator Highlights The Rootstown Township Rootstown Township By Trustee Joe Paulus Trustees: David McIntyre, Linda Hankins, and Joe Paulus The Rootstown Board of Trustees meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall. The township website is www.rootstowntwp.com. With school now under way, we support everyone who makes a successful school year possible. This includes the teachers, aides, administration, support staff, bus drivers, coaches, parents, and of course and probably most important, the students. We ask that everyone take a vested interest in our school which is a large representation of our community. Get involved with school-based pro- cesses, whether attending school academic or sporting activities, supporting the many student-based groups, volunteering, or just having your kids prepared for school. The Township Road Crew has been busy sealing, patching, and chipping many roads. Our road maintenance plan is continuing to work in fine order. First Energy repaired some of the roadways that their transmission line work this year had damaged. You may be seeing a new Township truck driving around. We were able to make a great deal in selling an older problematic truck and then purchasing a new one. The new one is stainless steel-based which will last much longer than the old steel trucks due to its resistance to the road salt it will carry and also drive through. Please support the Rootstown Fire Department in voting for the renewal levy this year. This levy will continue funding for our EMS unit. Your Fire Depart- ment members work and train every day to provide emergency medical services to Rootstown. A Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) contract has been signed and we will be asking residents to be part of a group to assist the contractor in developing the CLUP. This plan is a framework to help guide Rootstown in its future plans for development-- residential and commercial. The Trustees have created a Park Commission made up of a seven member board that answers to the Board of Trustees and provides input for moving forward the development of the Community Park. Each member will hold the position for three, four, or five-year terms and be appointed by the Trustees. The former ad-hoc Park Committee has been dissolved and we thank those residents for their time and service in getting ideas for the park started. The park is a work in progress and the Trustees want to follow the proper steps in creating a Master Site Plan so as to be most efficient and cost effective for the park development. The Portage County Solid Waste Management District mailed out surveys, with the township’s input, about curbside recycling to find out your interest in it. Not every household received the survey, but every household can submit their input. Contact a Trustee or Solid Waste Management at [email protected] or 330-678-8808 to provide your input. As of now, the cost for curbside recycling has not been set, but should be provided by the end of year. The Trustees have not committed to mandatory curbside recycling as of yet. Do you have disaster preparation plans? Do you have enough food, water, and medication to last a short term disaster for three days? Five days? Two weeks? Being prepared for loss of utilities takes time and forethought and is essential. It may be too late when a blizzard or other weather condition occurs. The Portage County Emergency Management Agency is a good resource for planning and can be contacted at http://co.portage.oh.us/portageprep or 330-297-3607. Hopefully, Rootstown will never see such disasters or need the EMA, but we should all be prepared. As the old adage states: failure to plan is a plan for failure.